Aristide and wife now fellows at UNISA

CAPE TOWN – Ousted Haitian president Jean Bertrande Aristide and his wife on Tuesday were appointed honorary research fellows at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

“President Aristide has assumed the post of Research Fellow in the College of Human Sciences with immediate effect,” university chancellor Barney Pityana said in a statement. Aristide has qualifications in theology, philosophy and psychology obtained at universities in Haiti and Rome, Pityana said.”He has an abiding interest in academic life and development.His attachment to UNISA will give him an opportunity to undertake research and publish in learned journals,” the statement said.His wife, Mildred Aristide, is a legal practitioner with academic qualifications from the United States.Pityana said the university was “honoured” to offer the Aristides hospitality as researchers and academics.”We hope to offer them an environment conducive to pursuing their academic careers.The university is delighted to be associated with their efforts,” he said.He fled Haiti on February 29 as rebels approached the Haitian capital.South Africa agreed to provide him temporary sanctuary upon the request of the 15-member Caribbean Community, and he arrived in the country on May 31.- Nampa-APAristide has qualifications in theology, philosophy and psychology obtained at universities in Haiti and Rome, Pityana said.”He has an abiding interest in academic life and development.His attachment to UNISA will give him an opportunity to undertake research and publish in learned journals,” the statement said.His wife, Mildred Aristide, is a legal practitioner with academic qualifications from the United States.Pityana said the university was “honoured” to offer the Aristides hospitality as researchers and academics.”We hope to offer them an environment conducive to pursuing their academic careers.The university is delighted to be associated with their efforts,” he said.He fled Haiti on February 29 as rebels approached the Haitian capital.South Africa agreed to provide him temporary sanctuary upon the request of the 15-member Caribbean Community, and he arrived in the country on May 31.- Nampa-AP